Parliamentary Procedure  Parliamentary Procedure traces its origins to the House of Commons in the United Kingdom  It is a way to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and has a chance to speak  It’s also quite rowdy and ridiculously fun!

The House will be in Order  During discussion or debate members who wish to ask questions raise their hands  They DO NOT say “I have a question”  It is pretty obvious that if you raise your hand and you’re not standing up to speak…you clearly have a question!  They simply say “Point of information”  It sounds much more sophisticated!  They are CONCISE: they only get seconds to ask the question

Debates and Discussions  During discussions and debates, when a member is recognized by the president, or the chair, that person has the floor  They begin by thanking the person who recognized them  The member who has the floor will stand up to address the group  When they are finished, and BEFORE they sit down, they will say “My thanks to…”

The Fun Part  Heckling is an important part of parliamentary style debate  It is an energetic, yet professional, form of participation.  Here’s how you do it…

In the Affirmative…  If you are in the affirmative, or you agree with something that is said, you may:  Lightly pat the desk in front of you with your open palm  Close your hand into a fist and rap your knuckles against the desk  If you STRONGLY AGREE with what has just been said you may add in the phrase “Hear, hear.”

In the Negative…  Heckling in the negative is done cleverly. If you come across as rude or impolite…you’re doing it wrong!  Say things like:  “Poor form!” or “Bad form!”  “Shame!” (Drawl the long ‘a’ sound)  “Shame on you!” (This is done quickly)

Etiquette  One does not scream like a wild lunatic when heckling  Heckling is done rarely, and cleverly  Remember there is ALWAYS a heckler who is cleverer than you  Don’t give them an opportunity to embarrass you